What should you do if a patient has difficulty breathing after NG tube placement?

When a patient experiences difficulty breathing after the placement of a nasogastric (NG) tube, it is crucial to prioritize their safety and address the immediate concern. Removing the NG tube is a critical step because it may be improperly placed or causing irritation or potential obstruction in the airway, which could be contributing to the respiratory distress.

Once the tube is removed, calling for help ensures that appropriate medical assistance can be provided quickly, allowing for further assessment and intervention if necessary. This action also helps to prevent any potential complication from worsening, ensuring the patient's airway is secured and that they receive appropriate care.

While administering oxygen could provide immediate relief for breathing difficulties and repositioning the patient may help in some cases, these actions do not address the potential problem of an improperly placed NG tube, which could be causing the distress. Continuing with the procedure in the face of such a significant symptom is also not advisable, as it could lead to serious complications. Thus, the removal of the tube and seeking assistance is the most appropriate response in this situation.